• BLOG
    • ABOUT US
    • DISCLAIMER
    • CONTACT US
  • TMC
    • ADVERTISE WITH US
    • TMC MUM PALS
    • THAT MAMA MEET UPS
    • THAT MAMA BOOK CLUB
    • TMC WORKSHOPS
    • TMC EVENTS
    • THAT KIDS CLUB
  • MOTHERHOOD
    • TTC
    • PREGNANCY
    • BIRTH
    • BABY
    • TODDLER
    • KIDS
  • HEALTH + WELLBEING
    • SELF CARE
    • BODY POSITIVITY
    • MENTAL HEALTH
  • LIFESTYLE
    • TMC + Me
    • ENTERTAINMENT
    • DIYS
    • BOOKS
    • SEX & RELATIONSHIPS
    • SUSTAINABILITY
  • FASHION
    • BREASTFEEDING FRIENDLY
    • MATERNITY
  • ADVENTURES
    • DAYS OUT
    • UK
    • AWAY
  • FOOD
    • FAMILY RECIPES
    • BABY LED WEANING
    • VEGAN

That Mama Club

PARENTING WITH ANXIETY | GUEST POST

Filed Under: GUEST POST, HOME, MENTAL HEALTH, MOTHERHOOD // January 17, 2021

BY BETH BALDWIN (Guest Writer)

PARENTING WITH ANXIETY

So, I’ve always been a bit of a worrier. And I know I’m not alone in this. Following the birth of my daughter in 2016 I was diagnosed with PND, and whilst I thankfully no longer suffer with this it did trigger anxiety and at the end of 2019 I was diagnosed with Generalised Anxiety Disorder. I thought I would share my tips on parenting with anxiety.

A lot of the time I feel like I’m better at managing my anxiety than I used to be, but there are definitely times where it’s managing me instead. Which is certainly not easy with a four year old in tow. So here are my focusses when it feels like anxiety is creeping in on my parental responsibility.

Sleep!

It’s amazing what a good night’s sleep will do. It’s tempting to go to bed and scroll through social media for too long, but you’ll always have a better night’s sleep if you put down the phone and pick up a book instead. When I’m really struggling to sleep because I’m busy overthinking, I’ll use valerian drops.

Make some time for yourself.

I know, easier said than done with little ones around. But even if you can find yourself a little pocket of time…an hour in the evenings, a small walk, even just doing the food shop on your own! We all need some time where we can switch off parent-mode and just let our brains breathe out a bit.

Find a hobby

that will calm you down when you’re feeling really anxious or wound up. I personally like doing embroidery. I’m not very good at it, but that’s not the point! It keeps my brain busy and focussed, whilst distracting me from whatever has triggered anxiety. Same goes for baking, reading, adult colouring books, anything you’d like!

Look after yourself

Now this can be a hard one at times. A lot of the time it can feel like a huge effort to get the little ones dressed, fed, cleansed and looked after, let alone yourself! But I don’t necessarily mean a full face of make up and glam hair. Have yourself a nice bath, get a good skin care routine going, and just made sure that every day you feel comfortable and good about yourself. You can’t pour from an empty cup!

Lists

 A classic symptom of anxiety is overthinking, so get those thoughts out of your head and on to a piece of paper! It keeps your head calmer and ticking off those jobs that stress you out feels so satisfying. Even the little jobs like washing up, putting on a laundry load…trust me. And bonus, there are so many pretty list books available.

Only consume media that is helpful to you or makes you feel happy.

Every now and then I’ll go through my list of accounts I follow on Instagram and unfollow any who don’t make me feel positive. Ensure your only following accounts that make you feel good and avoid any that may post triggering content. We just don’t need that extra negativity in our lives!

Get outside!

Even if just for a little walk around the block. I can’t tell you the amount of times that I really didn’t want to, and I’d really have to drag myself out the door, but I can honestly say that I’ve always felt better after a walk, every single time. Sometimes you just need some fresh air.

Allow yourself sad days.

It can be hard with little ones around, I know. They depend on us. With my little one I try to be honest with her. I don’t tell her everything as she’s only 4. But I do tell her when sometimes I’m feeling a bit sad or stressed. You may be surprised at how much they want to help you feel better! Your feelings are valid, and you need to allow yourself to feel them in order to process them.

Maybe the most important one…get help!

If you are reaching the point where you’re having more bad days than good, where anxiety is really muscling in on your parenting ability and your relationships, where your struggling with negative thoughts…get help! There are so many lovely (and free) services available to you through your local GP. In the past I have used the NHS Let’s Talk service, which you can refer yourself to without having to see a GP. No one of judging and everyone just wants you to feel better.

I really hope this helps. Please note that I am no professional, these are just things to do that help me manage parenting with anxiety, and hopefully they can help you to manage yours. So get those kids to bed, put on some pyjamas, get Bridgerton on and indulge in a bit of self care! You truly deserve it.

Love, Beth xxx

 

 

YOU CAN FIND BETH ON:

INSTAGRAM: THIS.MUMS.LIFE

Leave a Comment

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Welcome to That Mama Club

An informative space for Mama’s & Mama’s to be to come together and connect.

Our focus is the Mama, you. Whilst you look after your babies and families we look after you. Online we are building a wealth of information from Motherhood and all it entails, to Fashion, Beauty, Culture and so much more!

We are a safe and positive space, re-building the villages our generation has lost – We are so glad you are here!

.

Archives

Instagram

“To be pregnant is to be vitally alive, thorough “To be pregnant is to be vitally alive, thoroughly woman, and distressingly inhabited. Soul and spirit are stretched – along with body – making pregnancy a time of transition, growth, and profound beginnings.” — Anne Christian Buchanan

📸: @wildsoulphotography__
“Be patient with yourself. Nothing in nature blo “Be patient with yourself. Nothing in nature blooms all year round”
Love this quote and picture @mrskindonandco posted the other day. 

It reminded me that it’s ok to have days where I’m not my best self. There are days that are super hard to get through, and you’re just willing for it to be over. But those days pass. 

Don’t be afraid to take a step back, gather your thoughts, regroup. Putting yourself first sometimes is what will help you flourish!

📸: @mrskindonandco
Anyone else disappointed with the turn in the weat Anyone else disappointed with the turn in the weather recently?! 

Fear not! On our website we have a great article about how you can still enjoy yourself outdoors in the rain with the kids 🙌

Head on over and check it out. And comment down below your favourite outdoor rainy activities 🤎
I mean the other huge benefit to getting outside i I mean the other huge benefit to getting outside is the beautiful photos you can get 😍 

Thankyou to @beabea_and_me for tagging us in this gorgeous shot 

#thatmamaclubig #aseasonalyear #beautifulblooms #beautifulflower #bloomandwild #blossomseason #botanicalbeauty #britishflowers #flowerseverywhere #flowersfordays #gardenflower
 #relaxingdays #relaxandchill #relaxation_time #relaxtiontime #relaxandunwind #timetorelaxnow #timetorelaxandunwind #calmingvibes
#springdreaming #happinesseveryday #whatmakesmesmile #joyfulness #createjoy #createhappiness #findingjoy #findinghappiness
Why getting outdoors is good for you We’ve all Why getting outdoors is good for you 

We’ve all had those days where everything is going wrong, we’re all shouting and feeling frustrated. The best piece of advice I ever received as a parent is in those times, get outside. There is something about everyone getting fresh air, and the physical space around you that helps calm any situation. 

Here are some more benefits to getting outside (whether it’s a walk or just sitting in the garden) 

🐞Lowers your blood pressure, reduces stress and improves your mood. 

🐞The fresh air also helps you sleep better 

🐞Improves focus — Studies show that both adults and children who have difficulties focusing or controlling impulses are better able to concentrate after being in nature.

🐞Helps us heal quicker - patients who spent time outdoors during their recovery required fewer painkillers, had fewer complications and experienced shorter hospital stays. 

🐞Tops up your vitamin D - Which is an important vitamin for overall health, as well as strong and healthy bones

🐞Improves your immune system - A study published in 2010 evaluated the effect of forest bathing on immune function. For a group of Japanese adults, a three-day trip to the forest increased the number of white blood cells in their blood. These levels of white blood cells stayed elevated for more than 30 days after their adventure in the woods! 

🐞Fosters a better imagination and creativity in children 

What are your favourite ways to enjoy being outside? 

(Thankyou to @simplejourneying for tagging us in this gorgeous photo)
Happy Monday Everyone! Meet a Mama Monday is a wo Happy Monday Everyone! 
Meet a Mama Monday is a wonderful way to meet & connect with likeminded people in our little community 

To Join in, all you have to do is;
❤️ Like & save this post.
❤️ Follow @thatmamaclub
❤️ Leave a comment telling us a little bit about yourself!

Then, all you do is go through the comments, follow and engage with others in this community who interest you!

If you would like to help spread the word and get more people involved, please feel free to share this post to your stories and/or tag people you think would like to join in. We are also trying something new on stories for Meet a Mama Monday - So head over and check it out!

Team TMC

*Please note - this is NOT a loop. You don't have to follow everyone back, you don't have to follow anyone at all if you don't want to- you follow who you like, who you're drawn
to, who inspires you *

#communityovercompetition
#thatmamaclubig #thatmamaclubchallenge
#TMCmeetamamamonday
Follow on Instagram

This Months Advertisers

“To be pregnant is to be vitally alive, thorough “To be pregnant is to be vitally alive, thoroughly woman, and distressingly inhabited. Soul and spirit are stretched – along with body – making pregnancy a time of transition, growth, and profound beginnings.” — Anne Christian Buchanan

📸: @wildsoulphotography__
“Be patient with yourself. Nothing in nature blo “Be patient with yourself. Nothing in nature blooms all year round”
Love this quote and picture @mrskindonandco posted the other day. 

It reminded me that it’s ok to have days where I’m not my best self. There are days that are super hard to get through, and you’re just willing for it to be over. But those days pass. 

Don’t be afraid to take a step back, gather your thoughts, regroup. Putting yourself first sometimes is what will help you flourish!

📸: @mrskindonandco
Anyone else disappointed with the turn in the weat Anyone else disappointed with the turn in the weather recently?! 

Fear not! On our website we have a great article about how you can still enjoy yourself outdoors in the rain with the kids 🙌

Head on over and check it out. And comment down below your favourite outdoor rainy activities 🤎
I mean the other huge benefit to getting outside i I mean the other huge benefit to getting outside is the beautiful photos you can get 😍 

Thankyou to @beabea_and_me for tagging us in this gorgeous shot 

#thatmamaclubig #aseasonalyear #beautifulblooms #beautifulflower #bloomandwild #blossomseason #botanicalbeauty #britishflowers #flowerseverywhere #flowersfordays #gardenflower
 #relaxingdays #relaxandchill #relaxation_time #relaxtiontime #relaxandunwind #timetorelaxnow #timetorelaxandunwind #calmingvibes
#springdreaming #happinesseveryday #whatmakesmesmile #joyfulness #createjoy #createhappiness #findingjoy #findinghappiness
Follow us on Instagram

Copyright © 2022 · Theme by Branding and About

Copyright © 2022 · Sarah Theme on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in